WSLA 2015 Winner: Amy Francetic

Chicago-based Francetic oversees the non-profit’s mission to accelerate the development of clean energy technologies and businesses in the Midwest. The organization has thus far awarded $3.2 million in funding to startups—largely commercializing research from labs and universities—that subsequently raised $70 million in follow-on funding and has created at least 300 jobs. The former Silicon Valley executive shares her thoughts on sustainability leadership:

“Solving real problems in clean energy and sustainability takes patience, political grit, and generally big investments. It’s not the place to look for instant gratification. Communicating the big ”why” for any kind of scientific breakthrough is difficult but is critical to success. Communicating with charisma and passion, but also simplicity, is necessary.”

“Millennials are pissed that they are inheriting a climate crisis and they want to do something about it. They should not be underestimated in politics or in business. Our elected officials are lagging behind the public when it comes to views about climate and sustainability. It may take a few election cycles to get them aligned. We cannot let our despair prevent us from voting. Climate denial is dying a slow death.”

“Next generation battery storage at the grid, building, and vehicle level has the potential to disrupt and remake our modern electrical infrastructure. It is the foundation of our post-modern life. It will take everything we’ve got to help it achieve its potential—scientists, investors, engineers, politicians, and marketers. Michael Polsky, CEO of Invenergy, is running the largest independently held renewable energy company in the world. He is a fearless, wicked smart CEO. He believes that we are only at the beginning of the clean energy revolution.”

“Find a posse of like-minded women and support each other. CET is one of the founding members of the Chicago chapter of Women’s Energy Network, a national professional organization that supports women in the energy industry. There is also the C3E initiative that promotes and recognizes mid-career women in the clean energy field. For women in their 30’s, stop looking for mentors and start being mentors.”

“If you don’t feel like what you are doing matters, work is pretty empty.”